We recently created a Facebook page for our client, Rise Up. They have a sustainable, fair-trade, organic, no sweatshop fashion range and Facebook (and Flickr) was a great place to share their company information and range with the online community.
Recently MarketingMag.com.au published an article “Does your company need a Facebook page?” They make the point that Facebook fan pages and groups work well for some businesses and are disastrous for others.
They mentioned some facts to consider:
- If your business isn’t the kind of organisation that people are passionate (or at least mildy enthused) about, creating a social network around yourself will only serve to highlight that fact.
- If you don’t get fans, it is embarrassing and if people hate your brand then you are giving them an open online forum to express that hate.
- Only do it if you have time to create relationships and engage with your fans.
Examples of organisations with excellent Facebook pages
• Triple J — Nice interaction with fans, constant updates, lots of photos
• Big Cat Reality — Small business page built around a genuine community of interest (Scuba Diving)
• The RSPCA — Regular updates and real engagement from the UK organisation
• Fuck off Japan, Leave the Whales Alone — This highly active group is doing a great job of independently fostering discussion for their area of interest.
Examples of organisations who probably shouldn’t have a Facebook page
• Facebook — You’d think they could do better, but their own official page is actually pretty lame; no interaction with fans.
• B105 — They’re apparently the “#2” radio station in Brisbane, but in Septmeber 2008, only 44 people wanted to be their Facebook friend… Ouch.
• Sprite — Their page was clearly whipped up because their work experience kid had nothing better to do. It does nothing, goes nowhere and adds absolutely no value whatsoever to the brand.
I also think The Sydney Writers Centre has a great Facebook page.
Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.